Monday, August 13, 2012

What Is Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is a common form of gastroesophageal ebb disease (GERD). It affects millions of folks the world over, some of whom are not just aware they suffer from it.

Acid Reflux or GERD?

Acid ebb disease is often referred to of the same kind with gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD). However, for all that the two terms are related, they are not indispensably interchangeable: a person is diagnosed through GERD if they suffer chronic, enduring acid reflux symptoms (twice a week or again).

What is Acid Reflux Disease?

It is a digestive condition that is characterized by a back up (reflux) of the stomach contents, including of the stomach acid, into the esophagus. It occurs whenever a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunctions, allowing the swallow contents to backwash (reflux) into the esophagus.

The esophagus, sometimes known as the provender pipe or gullet, is a lusty canal that connects the mouth to the abide. The LES is a ring of muscle located at the union between the esophagus and the desire. It is a one-way valve that serves taken in the character of a physical barrier that prevents the acidic topics of the stomach from being regurgitated.

When rations or fluid is swallowed, it is propelled into disgrace the esophagus into the stomach. The LES relaxes to permit passage of the food and fluid into the stomach. Once past the valve, the LES closes to preserve the food and fluid in the taste. With acid reflux, the LES fails to close properly, and stomach contents back emanate, or reflux, into the esophagus.

The refluxed bear contents are highly acidic. Once they taste the lining of the esophagus, a toilsome, burning sensation is experienced in the chest or throat. This burning sensation is referred to being of the cls who heartburn. Often, the burning pain radiates upward in the chest to the neck and swallow.

What are the Symptoms?

Heartburn

Heartburn tops the list of common acid reflux symptoms.

Regurgitation

A indisposed flowing of acidic stomach contents into the aesophagus while bending over or sleeping.

Dysphagia

A swallowing disturb in which the patient has hard nut to crack swallowing food or fluids. This may too be accompanied by pain or a sensitive tightness in the throat, like a scrap of food is lodged there.

Respiratory Problems

The constant may suffer from a persistent dreary cough, wheezing or hoarseness, especially relating to waking up in the morning.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms embrace bad breath (halitosis), a bitter be tinctured in the mouth and recurring ventral pain or bloating.

Misdiagnosis

If sour reflux symptoms are persistent, a licensed physician should be consulted. A misdiagnosis of this grade can result in serious complications. A physician can obtain a accurate diagnosis means of conducting a physical examination and reviewing the calm's medical history.